AROUND THE AMERICAN LEAGUE.

Twins trade for Boone

July 12, 2005

Hoping to get some pop into their lineup from a veteran bat, the Twins acquired four-time Gold Glove second baseman Bret Boone from Seattle on Monday in exchange for a player to be named later and cash.

Boone, 36, was designated for assignment by the Mariners on July 3 after he hit .231 with seven homers and 34 RBIs. The Twins hope a change of scenery will benefit Boone, who has 252 home runs in 14 seasons, including a career-high 37 in '01.

"I think it's apparent that we need something to happen," Twins general manager Terry Ryan said. "Just watching us score two and three runs a game, it's getting old."

Minnesota ranks 11th out of 14 AL clubs in runs scored.

Second base has been a problem for the Twins, with four players starting there this season. Boone likely will become the everyday starter. "That's why I'm going there," he said.

The Mariners will pay the balance of Boone's 2005 salary of $9.2 million. The Twins have to pay a prorated amount, around $150,000, of the $317,000 major-league minimum.

"This is a low-risk, high-reward thing," Ryan said.

Borowski a Devil Ray

Former Cubs reliever Joe Borowski, 33, agreed to a contract with the Devil Rays. He was 0-0 with a 6.55 ERA in 11 games before being designated for assignment June 29.